Former RCMP Officer Accused of Foreign Interference Seeks to Dismiss Charges
A former RCMP officer charged with assisting China in foreign interference is seeking to dismiss the indictment due to a jurisdictional issue.
William Majcher’s lawyers argue that Quebec is not the appropriate jurisdiction to prosecute the case, suggesting that the charges should have been brought in the province where the alleged offenses took place.
They are requesting the Quebec court to dismiss the indictment and require the Crown to file charges in either British Columbia or Ontario.
Mr. Majcher faces charges under the Security of Information Act for conspiracy and preparatory acts benefiting a foreign entity.
Authorities claim that Mr. Majcher, a 61-year-old resident of Hong Kong, utilized his Canadian connections to gather intelligence or services that aided the People’s Republic of China.
The federal Crown argues that any jurisdiction can hear cases involving the Security of Information Act.
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Mr. Majcher was investigated by RCMP officers in Quebec, and federal prosecutors in the province brought charges against him.
He was apprehended in Vancouver in July and later released on bail by a judge in Longueuil, Que., near Montreal. Although he has not entered a plea yet, his lawyer has informed the court that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges.
A ruling on Mr. Majcher’s request is expected next month, prior to the scheduled trial dates in October.
